Eight Russian Kholui and Mstera Lacquer Boxes

Soviet Union, 1970s-80s, (8) lidded lacquer boxes with hand-painted and gilt designs depicting Russian folklore (including sagas of the Firebird, Father Frost and the Maiden, and Little Red Riding Hood) to include (5) from Kholui (Холуй); and (3) from Mstera (Мстера), all signed and marked with region, title, and artist's name to lid, most marked "Made in USSR" to underside.

Largest 1 3/4 x 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 in.

From the Collection of Josephine Chapman Borthwick, Pinehurst, North Carolina

A few boxes with lacquer warping or peeling to interior; largest red Kholui box with some loss to lacquer at edges; Little Red Riding hood circular Mstera box with gilt rubbing to base; several with light scuffs to underside and receipts of purchase to interior.